Future Conditional: Building an English-Speaking Society in Northeast China

Eric S. Henry's The Future Conditional explores the globalization of the English language and its effects on Shenyang, China. He argues that English-speaking Chinese see themselves as separate from those who do not speak the language due to a cultural assumption that speaking English makes a person modern. The book assesses the emerging viewpoint that speaking English in China has become a cultural need and a realization of one's future.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 222 pages
\n Publication date: 15 May 2021
\n Publisher: Cornell University Press
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In his book "The Future Conditional," Eric S. Henry delves into the intricate dynamics of the globalization of the English language and its profound impact on Shenyang, the capital and largest city of China's northeast Liaoning Province. With a wealth of expertise spanning twelve years of research, Henry offers a nuanced and comprehensive exploration of this phenomenon.

Adopting an ethnographic and linguistic perspective, Henry delves into the personal connotations that the English language holds for Chinese individuals, extending beyond its role in the education system. Through extensive research on the spoken, taught, and studied aspects of English in China, Henry examines the profound meaning that the language holds for Chinese speakers. He raises the question: why has English become so deeply captivating in contemporary China, simultaneously evoking desires and anxieties?

Henry suggests that English-speaking Chinese perceive themselves as distinct from those who do not speak the language, a cultural assumption that speaking English equates to modernity. He explores the reasons behind this fascination, examining how English has become a symbol of social status, cultural capital, and personal development.

"The Future Conditional" goes beyond the classroom, examining the emerging viewpoint that speaking English in China has become a cultural necessity and a realization of one's future. Henry explores the societal pressures, economic opportunities, and personal aspirations that drive individuals to acquire English skills. He also sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by English learners in China, including language barriers, cultural assimilation, and the changing nature of the language itself.

Through his insightful analysis, Henry provides a valuable perspective on the globalization of the English language and its implications for China and the world. He challenges the notion of English as a foreign language and emphasizes its role as a cultural and linguistic bridge. "The Future Conditional" is a thought-provoking and informative book that sheds light on the complex relationship between language, culture, and identity in the contemporary world.

\n Weight: 344g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781501755163\n \n